Dhruv Patel and Dipika Patel were abducted in Baku while travelling via the “Donkey Route”; Indian government intervened within 24 hours to secure their release.
Two residents of Gujarat’s Anand district who attempted to reach the United States through an illegal migration route, commonly known as the “Donkey Route,” have returned safely after being kidnapped and held hostage in Azerbaijan. Their release followed a swift diplomatic intervention by the Indian government, coordinated through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Baku.
The victims, Dhruv Patel (22) from Jhakharia village and Dipika Patel (32) from Kantharia village, were abducted shortly after arriving in Baku on February 1. According to their families and Anand Member of Parliament Mitesh Patel, the duo was confined in a deserted house, assaulted, and threatened with organ trafficking unless a ransom was paid.
What Is the ‘Donkey Route’?
The “Donkey Route” refers to irregular and illegal migration pathways used by agents who promise migrants entry into the United States or Canada via multiple transit countries. Dhruv and Dipika reportedly left India on January 30 after being persuaded by Mumbai-based agents who assured them of a safe journey to the US.
However, their plan collapsed upon arrival in Azerbaijan, where they were allegedly kidnapped instead of being transported further.
Livestreamed Torture and Ransom Demands
Family members revealed that the kidnappers contacted them through WhatsApp video calls, during which Dhruv was beaten on camera to pressure them into paying ransom. The abductors demanded money and threatened to remove and sell the victims’ kidneys on the black market if their demands were not met.
The families reportedly paid ₹65 lakh in cash and cryptocurrency, but the kidnappers continued to extort them even after receiving the payment.
Political and Diplomatic Intervention
Anand MP Mitesh Patel said the parents of the victims approached him two days before the rescue. He immediately escalated the matter and travelled to New Delhi, where he raised the issue with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
“This incident was heartbreaking. As soon as I got the information, I contacted Dr Jaishankar. Thanks to the government’s prompt action, the rescue was successful within 24 hours,” Patel said in a video statement, urging people not to fall prey to illegal migration agents.
Following the representation, the MEA coordinated with the Indian Embassy in Baku, which launched an emergency operation to locate and rescue the couple.
‘Operation Mahisagar’ Rescue Mission
The rescue operation has been referred to as “Operation Mahisagar”, named after the Mahisagar region in Gujarat. Although India has not publicly disclosed operational details, officials confirmed that the embassy activated the mission after diplomatic engagement from New Delhi.
Both Dhruv and Dipika were rescued and taken to the Indian Embassy in Baku, where they are currently under protection. Their return to India is expected after completing legal formalities.
Alleged Gang and Agent Network Under Probe
Investigators believe the kidnapping was part of a larger trafficking and extortion network. An Iranian individual known as “Baba Khan” and an associate named Pawan Rocky are suspected of being involved in targeting Indian migrants.
The same gang has allegedly trapped young people from Gujarat’s Mansa region in similar schemes, luring them with promises of overseas migration before extorting their families.
Police in Anand are searching for five Mumbai-based agents who allegedly persuaded the couple to take the illegal route. Authorities say the agents promised safe passage to the US but instead led them into a criminal network that resulted in their kidnapping.
While no formal charges have been publicly disclosed yet, investigations are ongoing.
Family Expresses Gratitude
Dhruv’s father thanked the Indian government and the MP for their efforts, saying his children had been given a “new life” after the traumatic ordeal.